The Top Tomato Ketchup Brands in the UK – Ranked by Flavour and Quality

The best tomato ketchup brands in the UK include Heinz, Stokes, and Tiptree, known for their rich flavour, consistent texture, and quality ingredients. While Heinz may be the household staple, several British brands are giving it tough competition with unique recipes, fewer additives, and gourmet appeal.

This article reviews the most popular and highest-rated tomato ketchup brands available in the UK today, comparing taste, ingredients, and overall value to help you choose the right one for your table.

What Makes a Great Tomato Ketchup?

Not all ketchup is created equal. The best varieties balance sweet, tangy, and savoury flavours with a smooth, pourable texture and natural ingredients.

Key Features to Look for in a Good Ketchup

When selecting a quality ketchup, these characteristics are worth considering:

• Taste balance – A well-rounded ketchup should be neither too sweet nor overly vinegary.
• Natural ingredients – Avoid brands that rely heavily on artificial sweeteners, preservatives, or colourings.
• Tomato content – A higher percentage of tomato concentrate or purée often signals better quality.
• Texture – It should be thick enough to cling to chips but not so thick that it won’t pour.

Top-Rated Tomato Ketchup Brands in the UK

Here are some of the most widely enjoyed ketchup brands across Britain, each offering its own take on the iconic red sauce.

Heinz Tomato Ketchup

Heinz remains the market leader for a reason: consistency. It’s a staple in homes, restaurants, and chip shops across the UK.

• Flavour: Well-balanced, slightly sweet and tangy.
• Tomato content: Around 148g of tomatoes per 100g of ketchup.
• Special varieties: No Added Sugar & Salt, Organic, and 50% Less Sugar.

Whether you’re dipping chips or using it in cooking, Heinz delivers a dependable experience.

Stokes Real Tomato Ketchup

Stokes is a premium brand that prides itself on small-batch production and bold tomato flavour.

• Flavour: Deep, rich, and slightly fruity with less sweetness than Heinz.
• Tomato content: Over 200g of tomatoes per 100g of ketchup.
• Unique appeal: Handmade in Suffolk, ideal for foodies seeking depth of flavour.

It’s a great pick for those looking to move away from mainstream options.

Tiptree Tomato Sauce

Tiptree, known for its jams and preserves, also makes a standout ketchup that leans towards a fruitier taste.

• Flavour: Strong tomato base with a hint of sweetness and fruitiness.
• Tomato content: High, with a noticeable natural profile.
• Best for: Gourmet sandwiches, burgers, and dipping.

This ketchup is often seen in fine food shops and has a more artisanal feel.

Daddies Tomato Ketchup

Daddies is a classic British ketchup with a loyal following, offering a nostalgic taste that many grew up with. It’s widely recognised for its slightly sharper flavour and lighter texture compared to other brands.

• Flavour: Tangy, vinegary, and less sweet than Heinz — great for those who prefer a bolder bite.
• Tomato content: Moderate, with a thinner consistency that spreads easily.
• Best for: Traditional fry-ups, fish and chips, or adding a kick to bacon sandwiches.

Daddies brings old-school charm to the table, balancing sharpness and sweetness in a distinctly British way.

Crucials Tomato Ketchup

Crucials is known for its affordable, crowd-pleasing sauces often found in takeaway shops and cafes across the UK. Their tomato ketchup delivers a straightforward flavour at a great price point.

• Flavour: Mild and smooth with a sweet undertone — ideal for general use.
• Tomato content: Moderate, focusing on a balanced taste and easy pourability.
• Best for: Fast food, home cooking, or topping burgers and chips.

Crucials Tomato Ketchup is perfect for those who want a dependable, value-for-money option without compromising on everyday taste.

Comparing Popular Brands by Category

When choosing between these brands, your preferences may vary depending on taste, budget, and dietary needs.

Best for Traditional Taste

• Heinz – The go-to classic ketchup for British consumers.
• Waitrose Essential – A great budget-friendly traditional option.

Best for High Tomato Content

• Stokes – Made with over 200g of tomatoes per 100g.
• Mr Organic – Focuses on quality organic tomatoes.

Best for Health-Conscious Buyers

• Mr Organic – Organic and free from refined sugars and preservatives.
• Heinz No Added Sugar & Salt – A more accessible health-focused variant.

Best for Gourmet Use

• Tiptree – Adds complexity and elegance to any dish.
• Stokes – Great for meat glazes, burgers, and artisan meals.

Should You Choose a Premium Ketchup?

Premium ketchups often have higher tomato content, no artificial ingredients, and bolder flavour profiles. While they may be more expensive, they’re often worth it for those who care about ingredients and taste.

When to Upgrade to Premium

• If you use ketchup as a cooking ingredient (e.g. in marinades or sauces).
• If you’re avoiding artificial sweeteners and preservatives.
• If you want richer, tomato-forward flavour.

That said, affordable supermarket brands still offer good value for everyday use.

---

FAQs About Top UK Tomato Ketchup Brands

Here are some questions and answers about the leading ketchup brands available in the UK and what makes them different.

Which is the best tomato ketchup in the UK?

Heinz remains the best-selling and most popular ketchup in the UK, thanks to its familiar taste and quality. However, premium brands like Stokes and Tiptree offer richer, more natural alternatives.

Is there a healthy tomato ketchup brand in the UK?

Yes. Mr Organic is widely considered one of the healthiest choices, being fully organic with no added refined sugar. Heinz also offers a No Added Sugar & Salt variety.

What is the richest tomato ketchup?

Stokes is often praised for its high tomato content (over 200g per 100g) and rich, bold flavour, making it ideal for gourmet meals.

Is supermarket ketchup as good as branded ketchup?

Some supermarket own-brands, such as Waitrose Essential and Tesco Finest, provide solid alternatives to branded ketchup, especially for budget-conscious buyers.

What’s the difference between Heinz and Stokes ketchup?

Heinz has a more balanced, sweeter taste and is widely available. Stokes offers a richer, more tomato-heavy flavour with a premium ingredient list.

Back to Tomato Ketchup Page